Adm. Sci., Volume 14, Issue 1 (January 2024) – 21 articles

The hospitality industry has taken advantage of consumers’ increasing concerns regarding environmental issues. Worldwide, green restaurants have increased their profitability by using environmental attributes as a competitive advantage. In Romania, restaurants could profit from this new trend. This study aims to determine the perception of Generation Z consumers regarding green restaurants, since these younger consumers seem to have adopted more eco-friendly behavior compared to previous generations. Another objective of the study refers to assessing the importance of attributes relating to environmental protection and organic food when choosing a restaurant, consequently revealing a suitable market segment for this type of restaurant. In order to determine their degree of knowledge related to the concept of green restaurant, potential consuming behavior if implemented, and identifying the factors considered important when choosing a restaurant, this research compiles information from individuals belonging to Generation Z. Using principal component analysis, five factors were obtained, among which the “health and fresh food” was the most important. Based on the five dimensions, K-means cluster analysis led to three profiles of consumers. “Pro-environmental and convenience seekers” represent the largest cluster and should be considered the main target for future green restaurant practitioners. Additionally, our study finds an overall positive attitude toward green restaurants among the respondents and, more specifically, opinions on how these restaurants could address environmental issues and offer organic food, both important factors for Generation Z. This translates into a strong incentive for future entrepreneurs considering this business model in Romania. Full article

This study draws on agency theory and evaluates the effect of the remuneration structures of board members on earnings management, proxied by discretionary accruals. To achieve the objective, this study uses a multiple regression model and a hand-collected dataset of Portuguese-listed firms from 2015 to 2019. This study suggests that fixed board remuneration is associated with lower levels of earnings management, as opposed to variable remuneration of board members, which is strongly associated with a higher level of earnings management. The findings based on this study provide useful information to investors and regulators in evaluating the effect of board compensation structure on earnings management. Additionally, this study expands the corporate governance literature by examining an under-researched mechanism to address the agency problem. Full article

The contribution of businesses to sustainability, captured in the concept of the triple bottom line (people, profit, planet), has been given a lot of attention. One line of argument is to make sustainability mandatory via regulation, while another is to create a consciousness for questions of sustainability in the minds of managers, that is, to make managers agents of sustainability. Thus, there is debate about what behaviors, practices, and skills leaders need for positive sustainability. In recent years, scholars have attempted to develop leadership approaches (e.g., sustainable leadership, sustainability leadership) that contribute to the implementation of sustainability and positively influence sustainability practices, filling a perceived gap in the current literature. Here, connections to popular relationship-based approaches such as ethical leadership, transformational leadership, authentic leadership, and responsible leadership are also discussed. In this paper, we debate to what extent a specific leadership type is necessary to successfully lead a company into a sustainable future or whether, regardless of conceptualized behaviors, practices, and skills, it is not the core character and attitude of leaders that is crucial to changing the company culture to achieve the goal of sustainable business. This paper first outlines the existing literature on leadership approaches designed to lead to greater sustainability. It does not claim to be exhaustive but refers to the most prominent research findings. It then critically assesses these and raises questions. In the third section, we propose an alternative view of successful leadership toward positive sustainability. Full article

Companies depend on the trust and confidence of the general public to thrive. The integrity of financial reporting practices plays a pivotal role in establishing and sustaining stakeholders’ confidence. This trust serves as a foundational cornerstone in managerial decision-making processes and in facilitating the active participation of a diverse spectrum of stakeholders within organizational frameworks. Despite its reputation for ethical and transparent conduct, the field of accounting often grapples with a perception of mundanity, particularly among student populations. This study uses a structural equation modeling approach to assess the impact of students’ perceptions of the accounting profession on their motivation in academic coursework, using a sample of 92 undergraduate students of accounting and taxation subjects. Additionally, it seeks to investigate how this motivation directly influences their perceptions of future career and how it operates indirectly through their active engagement in accounting and taxation courses. The research findings indicate that students’ perceptions of the accounting profession have a direct and positive effect on the perceptions of future career of individuals enrolled in both accounting and taxation courses. This influence is further mediated by the levels of motivation and engagement observed in the academic domain. Moreover, the results highlight the direct and positive influence of students’ motivation and engagement in their coursework on their perceptions of future career. Full article

In an era marked by swift technological advancements and an escalating emphasis on collaborative learning, understanding effective methods and technologies for sharing knowledge is imperative to optimize educational outcomes. This study delves into the varied methods and technologies applied to facilitate and support knowledge sharing within learning communities. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted, systematically collecting and scrutinizing pertinent literature. Employing automated searches, title-based selection, and reputation-based filters ensured the inclusion of high-quality studies. The chosen studies underwent a meticulous evaluation, considering factors like relevance, methodological robustness, and currency. The literature review unveiled a diverse array of methods and technologies employed in learning communities to facilitate effective knowledge sharing. The outcomes of this study offer a comprehensive snapshot of the existing literature, underscoring the significance of methods and technologies in supporting knowledge sharing within learning communities. By comprehending the strengths, challenges, and potential future trajectories, educators, researchers, and policymakers can make informed decisions to enhance the efficacy of knowledge sharing within learning communities. Full article

The increasing social and environmental challenges, particularly poverty, have brought social entrepreneurship, a highly researched domain, to the attention of academicians. It has emerged as a critical issue in the context of economic development and societal well-being. The current study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in the field of social entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation to explain the current state, geographical performance, and future research agenda. Utilizing VOS viewer (version 1.6.20) and R Studio software (version 4.3.2), 461 final articles were examined and extracted from the Web of Science database, covering the period from 1998 to 2022. The findings reveal a significant increase in research activity in this field since 2009, indicating a growing demand for it as a solution to social challenges. Notably, the years 2021–2022 witnessed a remarkable 55% surge in research output. The Sustainability Journal ranks first as the most productive source, followed by the Journal of Cleaner Production. The most prolific authors are Nina Kolleck from Germany, David Littlewood, and Diane Holt from the UK. Additionally, this study assesses the geographic distribution of research contributions, highlighting regions with relatively lower research performance, such as South Asian and African countries. Leading in this domain are the UK, Spain, the USA, and European institutions. Co-citation patterns reveal four thematic clusters: (1) dynamics of social entrepreneurship; (2) sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem; (3) social entrepreneurship for social innovation; and (4) integrated sustainable entrepreneurship, shedding light on critical aspects and the intellectual structure of this domain. Finally, keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies emerging research areas, e.g., entrepreneurial development, the role of higher education, enterprise collaboration, inclusive growth, and socio-economic empowerment. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners committed to achieving sustainable social change. Full article

Research work on the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and financial performance has been going on for seven decades. Even when the prevailing studies are those that found a positive influence of social responsibility on financial performance, strong conclusive results are still unavailable. Some explanations for this situation are based, among other reasons, on the fact that the variables have a relation mediated by multiple factors. Additionally, it is still unknown whether the results obtained can be extrapolated to all types of companies since the majority of studies have focused on large companies listed on the stock exchange. This research studied how one of those factors (stakeholder satisfaction) mediated in companies of different sizes (including SMEs) and different types of companies (publicly listed companies or private ownership companies). A questionnaire was used, including indices relative to (1) the degree of development of the company’s social responsibility policies, (2) the changes in the satisfaction of four key stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders) and financial performance (sales and profitability). Findings show the existence of a correlation between social responsibility and financial performance and also that such a relationship is mediated by the satisfaction of stakeholders. That relationship was also found to be independent of company sizes and the type of company This research work is intended to be a contribution towards that field of study, as it has detected a relationship between variables in medium-sized and private ownership companies. Full article

The expansion of teleworking and the digital transition movement have given companies and workers great flexibility, albeit with significant organisational consequences. The recent COVID-19 pandemic further reinforced the scale of this impact. Thus, the current research aims to understand whether the multiple dimensions of telework have impacted upon workers’ time management and work intensity through the unprecedented experiences during the pandemic and, in particular, to assess whether telework intensifies work, in what ways and the main reasons for this. The article analyses the literature on teleworking and work intensity and presents a documentary analysis on the subject, in addition to presenting the results of an exploratory study carried out in 2021 in Portugal which investigates the impact of teleworking on workers’ time management. The article underlines that although teleworking can increase a worker’s well-being by eliminating travel time, it presents several risks, namely it can intensify work through increased pressure to meet objectives and targets. Therefore, it is essential to develop research on the effects of telework, particularly assessing the relationship between telework and work intensification, as well as its effects on working conditions and workers’ well-being. This research will be an important resource for regulating labour laws and designing human resource management policies. Full article

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of conflicts in family businesses, particularly focusing on their impact on founder behavior and organizational culture. Conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the research employs a qualitative methodology to gain an in-depth understanding of conflicts within family businesses. The study utilizes semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection tool, engaging with 5 founders and 12 successors across various family owned businesses. The sample, comprising 17 participants, offers diverse perspectives on conflict dynamics between founders and successors. The interviews, designed to explore recurring key themes, delve into the nature and characteristics of task and process-based disagreements within these family enterprises. Key findings from this study include the observation that task or process-based disagreements, commonly arising between family members, can act as catalysts for founders to re-evaluate their behavior, potentially influencing the shaping of the organizational culture. The research highlights the importance of fostering a culture of open communication, critical thinking, and respect within family firms. Such a culture can play a significant role in reducing relationship conflicts and aid in reaching constructive resolutions. Additionally, the study reveals that the features of organizational culture within family businesses can be instrumental in managing conflicts effectively. This research underscores the complexity of family relationships in business settings and emphasizes the necessity of examining these dynamics from multiple angles. Given the prevalence of family members in key positions within family firms, the study sheds light on the importance of addressing diversity and conflict among family members, considering their long-term implications on the culture and future of these firms. Full article

Applying a mixed theoretical approach, this paper addresses the causal relationship between the presence of women on steering committees (SC) and in senior management positions and the firm’s stock return, measured through the price–earnings ratio (P/E). To do so, we disaggregate the composition of the boards of 27 IBEX 35 companies over the period 2018–2021 by gender and type of female director and analyze the relationship between the number and proportion of women on the SC, their distribution by category, and the P/E. The sample contains a total of 108 observations, and its structure follows a panel data methodology. Validation of the working hypotheses was carried out using Poisson logistic regression. The results indicate a positive and significant relationship between stock returns and the percentage of women on the SC. The results also indicate that stock returns are not significantly affected by the category distribution of female directors. Full article

Brand experience, brand love, and brand behavior outcomes hold significant importance in management research. Their relevance extends to shaping strategic decision-making, fostering a customer-centric approach, and providing insights into the competitive landscape. These concepts are pivotal in understanding the complex dynamics of consumer-brand relationships, enabling organizations to make informed decisions, prioritize customer satisfaction, and stay competitive in the market. The present study aims to authenticate and assess the consistency of the Brand Experience (BE) scale and Brand Love (BL) scale in relation to the LIDL brand, comparing Portugal and the Czech Republic. Additionally, it delves into the connections between Brand Experience, Brand Love, and Brand Behaviour Outcomes (BBO): Positive Word of Mouth (+WOM), Brand Loyalty (BLYT), (Re)purchase Intention (RI), Affective Commitment (AC), Active Engagement (AE), and Perceptions of Attitudes Towards a Brand (PATB). The results demonstrated that the measurement tools used to gauge the variables under scrutiny are dependable and valid. Achieving measurement invariance across countries, convergence, and discriminant validity further validated the study. Positive correlations were identified among all the variables explored. The conceptual model tested exhibited a good fit and remained consistent across both countries. These findings hold significant implications for both academics and practitioners in the field of brand management. Full article

The study aims to enhance the sustainability of non-profit organizations by analyzing factors contributing to the adoption of digital marketing by non-profit organizations. For this purpose, this study presented a research model on digital marketing adoption reflecting the characteristics of non-profit organizations based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. The research model was analyzed using structural equation modeling on a sample of 303 staff members of non-profit organizations in South Korea. The results of the study suggest that entrepreneurship, competitive pressures, digital environment change, compatibility, and lack of human resources have an effect on the adoption of digital marketing in non-profit organizations. The findings can contribute to helping non-profit organizations better engage in digital marketing activities and, therefore, strengthen their sustainability by being more efficient in obtaining the financial resources they need. Full article

In contemporary academia and industry, the commercialization of technology through licensing has emerged as a prevalent strategy. This paradigmatic shift has prompted numerous industrial firms to intensify their focus on technology commercialization as a mechanism to optimize the returns on their research and development investments, while concurrently leveraging their comprehensive technology portfolios. However, despite growing interest in this area, there exists a conspicuous gap in scholarly literature exploring how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can effectively and efficiently capitalize on this opportunity in a global context. The objective of the present study is to fill this void by offering an in-depth analysis of the key determinants that contribute to the successful commercialization of technology via licensing. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this paper presents a comparative case study that explores four separate international licensing alliances, each formed between the same licensor, specializing in solar mounting system engineering, and four different licensees, all engaged in the production and marketing of this specialized technology. Data were meticulously gathered through a triangulated approach that incorporated interviews with both licensor and licensees, extensive desk research, and on-site observations. Our empirical findings reveal that the critical success factors identified in existing literature are not uniformly significant. Specifically, four elements—relational dynamics, cultural considerations, human capital, and resource allocation—emerged as pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of technology commercialization strategies. By elucidating these nuanced factors, this study contributes to both academic discourse and practical applications, thereby serving as a valuable resource for SMEs aiming to navigate the complexities of technology commercialization in international settings. Full article

This study aimed to understand the impact of digital culture on companies’ knowledge and constant commitment to digital transformation, as well as its impact on organizations as a whole. Secondly, it aimed to explore the impact of digital technology adoption on organizational performance and competitiveness. Finally, the study investigated the role of knowledge management during digital transformation. A quantitative study was developed using a descriptive design. A questionnaire was developed on pre-test was carried out withon 15 participants and since no doubts or difficulties were detected, it was made available on the internet between January and April 2022. A total of 291 questionnaires were collected and validated. Data were imported from Google Forms for analysis in SPSS, version 25.0, andSmartPLS^® 4.0 software. The questionnaire revealed good internal consistency (α = 0.922). Ten of the twelve hypotheses were confirmed, that is, the existence of positive and significant relationships between digital culture (DC) and knowledge of digital transformation (KDT); DC and adoption of digital technologies (ADT); DC and knowledge management (KM); commitment (C) and KDT; C and productivity (P); KDT and ADT; ADT and KM; ADT and P; ADT and C; and P and C. The results of regression analyses showed that the variables that contributed to the model (“competitiveness of organizations”) were productivity, the adoption of digital technologies, commitment to digital technologies, and knowledge management. The variables CD and KDT (Knowledge of digital transformation) presented lower and non-significant values. Full article

Purpose: This paper seeks to explore the influence of workplace spirituality on employee behavior within organizational settings. Design: Systems thinking is used to explore various interrelated concepts of workplace spirituality (WPS). This study delves into the intricate interactions between WPS and its impact on employee behavior. By highlighting the significance of WPS, the research establishes a foundation for fostering innovation and creativity, facilitating meaningful connections among employees within organizations. Additionally, WPS plays a crucial role in reducing workplace incivility. Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) as part of a systems thinking approach are utilized to visually depict the complex interplay of variables and feedback loops within organizations, offering insights into polarities and presenting a long-term perspective on how spiritual initiatives affect the workplace. Results: The findings indicate that WPS assists employees in comprehending their roles, enhancing productivity, increasing motivation, and fostering job satisfaction. Furthermore, WPS contributes to improved employee engagement, satisfaction, and decision-making. Significance: The research underscores the explicit involvement of employees in achieving favorable outcomes and enhances our understanding of the perceptions held by employers and employees regarding their roles and engagement. The study suggests that enhancing employees’ performance is achievable in workplaces where individuals comprehend their roles and align them with the job objectives. Novelty: This paper is unique in two aspects. Firstly, it strives to integrate the fragmented and diverse literature on the outcomes of WPS using a systems thinking approach. Secondly, it raises awareness, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, regarding the importance of incorporating organizational capabilities into organizational practices. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups possess four key attributes; being small enterprises, adopting AI technology, undergoing digital transformation, and using big data systems to enhance their competitiveness. This study aims to identify the key influencing factors needed to enhance the competitiveness of AI technology-based startups and to suggest a decision-making model to improve the technology and business competitiveness of AI startups in the digital era. To achieve this, the hierarchy concept framework was built with four evaluation areas based on the mechanism-based view theory, and the 16 evaluation factors that can influence were identified through existing literature, combining factors related to the digital transformation, technological application, and business competitiveness of the startups. These factors were analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) by the survey, targeting experts in South Korea. The analysis results indicate that the subject area was the most crucial for the business competitiveness of AI startups. It was also revealed that the subject’s strategic mind is the most significant factor to AI startups’ success. In the case of two control groups, categorized as ‘AI experts’ and ‘startup experts’, AI experts chose the subject as the most important area, whereas startup experts selected the environment, and significant differences were observed in all other factors. The results of this study will provide implications for strengthening the business competitiveness of AI startups and factors important for the growth of AI startups in this era. Full article

To date, the studies on managerial loss aversion have produced contradictory findings, making it impossible to: (i) identify the ultimate impact of managerial loss aversion on the value that organisations create for themselves and for their stakeholders, and (ii) mitigate the effect of managerial loss aversion to improve corporate value creation. With the aim of filling this gap, the authors of this paper first performed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), resulting in 65 relevant papers. The 65 papers were then analysed through a Thematic Analysis (TA), which was aimed at isolating and revising the single effects of managerial loss aversion on the corporate value creation process. Once it became clear when and how managerial loss aversion leads to negative impacts on corporate value creation (such as suboptimal investments in corporate social responsibility, short-term-oriented budget expenditures, illegal corporate conduct in favourable contexts, and low demand for audit quality), a novel theoretical framework was built. This framework proposes some preliminary approaches to mitigate these detrimental effects. In particular, future empirical research may operationalise potential debiasing strategies, derived from critical analysis of the literature, to reduce managerial loss aversion in different business settings, thereby improving corporate value creation. Full article

This exploratory study examined recent innovations in online accountability practices adopted by Ukrainian nonprofits. A quantitative content analysis of Ukrainian nonprofit websites evaluated their adoption of online accountability practices across five dimensions: accessibility, engagement, performance, governance, and mission. The results reveal wide variability in accountability scores and low average disclosure of performance and governance practices. Nonprofits without a listed location have lower scores. International NGOs demonstrate stronger governance than domestic groups. Associations are leaders in online innovations. Overall, Ukrainian nonprofits are not fully capitalizing on digital platforms to enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement. This study provides unique insights into online accountability among Ukrainian nonprofits and highlights opportunities for nonprofits to leverage websites as strategic management tools for greater accountability, legitimacy, and impact. Full article

Background: Many scholars emphasize the way in which sustained organizational development requires a shift in focus from the individual traits of the entrepreneur to the building of an organization that utilizes the collective contributions of its employees. To achieve this, entrepreneurs must adopt the role of a facilitator and empower their employees to perform at their best. There are numerous factors that influence one’s decision to pursue a career in entrepreneurship, such as the beliefs and desires that individuals possess. Entrepreneurs possess diverse self-perceptions, and this plays a crucial role in their motivation to start a new business. Studies on entrepreneurial self-perception examine the elements, such as personal identity and capabilities—particularly the ability to effectively manage company drivers—which ultimately shape one’s decision to embark on a new venture. Launching a startup is not merely an act; rather, it represents a substantial reflection of an individual’s self-concept and identity. Consequently, an individual’s perceived social identity has a substantial influence on their choice to pursue entrepreneurship, as they view the venture as an extension of themselves. Methods: An online interactive learning environment (ILE) designed to assess the performance management capabilities of wanna-be entrepreneurs, in accordance with the formative assessment paradigm, has been developed. Results: The procedures for carrying out the formative (self-) assessment of wanna-be entrepreneurs’ performance management capabilities will be detailed. Two concrete assessment cases, with the aim of making clearer what kind of outcomes the ILE can generate, will be presented. Conclusions: The ILE could contribute in the encouragement of wanna-be entrepreneurs to participate in entrepreneurship educational programs. Full article

This study explores how a state-based franchisee association of a multinational quick-service restaurant franchisor introduced three world-first innovations through the activation of the five dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO). The antecedents to this activation were also explored. A historical extended case study focusing on a revelatory case was undertaken. In-depth analysis using a rigorous qualitative methodology was facilitated by the triangulation of informant interviews, publicly available data, archival data, and artefacts. The three innovations explored involved the apparent activation of all five dimensions of EO by the franchisee association. The franchisee association’s structure and the provenance of its franchisee members, in being either externally recruited or internally recruited, appeared to have a bearing on whether product or process innovations were pursued. Five antecedents that enhance the propensity of franchisee associations to activate the dimensions of EO were also identified, and a preliminary model was constructed. Whilst the EO of franchisors and franchisees has previously been examined, this study is the first to explore franchisee associations as a vehicle for EO. With around 75% of franchisors incorporating some form of franchisee association, better understanding how to harness their innovative potential could bestow a competitive advantage upon those franchise systems able to do so. Full article

Entrepreneurship education research has a strong “output” focus on impact studies but pays much less attention to the “inside” or process perspective of the way entrepreneurship education occurs. In particular, the scattered previous entrepreneurship curriculum research has not managed to provide a current and comprehensive overview of the curricular elements that constitute entrepreneurship education. To overcome this shortcoming, we aim to identify the teaching objectives, teaching contents, teaching methods, and assessment methods discussed in entrepreneurship curriculum research. To this end, we conducted a systematic literature review on the four entrepreneurship curriculum dimensions and collected all mentioned curriculum items. We used a two-stage coding procedure to find the genuinely entrepreneurship-specific items. Among numerous items (also from business management and other subjects), we found 26 objectives, 34 contents, 11 teaching methods, and 7 assessment methods that were entrepreneurship-specific. Most of these items were addressed by only a few scholarly papers. Full article